Agenda item

This report provides an overview of consultation undertaken with high level feedback on the outcome; and provides detailed feedback on the consultation and the preferred junction improvement option for the Fossgate scheme. The report includes an analysis of comments and feedback from consultation for the Fossgate scheme and proposed junction improvement plans.

Resolved:  i)       That Cabinet approve Option 1 as the preferred design for the Fossgate scheme and a proposed budget of £310k. The work to be funded out of the £3m Capital budget already agreed for the Reinvigorate York programme (£305.5k) and supplemented from the Capital Maintenance budget 2014/15 (£4.5k) for carriageway patching, leaving a balance of £1,604.5k unallocated across the Reinvigorate York programme.

ii)       That Cabinet note that the preferred design and proposed budget for the Exhibition Square/Theatre Interchange and Duncombe Place/Blake Street junction projects will follow later.

Reason:      i)      To ensure delivery of the Fossgate project within the overall Reinvigorate York project programme.

 ii)     To keep Cabinet updated on the Reinvigorate projects.

Members considered a report which provided an overview of the consultation undertaken on the following three of six priority Reinvigorate York public realm improvement projects, including detailed feedback in respect of the Fossgate scheme:

·        Exhibition Square and Theatre Interchange scheme, part of the Better Bus Area Fund programme

·        Duncombe Place/Blake Street junction

·        Fossgate (Annex 1 of the report) and proposed junction improvement plans (Annex 2)

It was reported that the aim of the Fossgate proposals had been to encourage the regeneration of the street, changing its character from a vehicular dominated through road to a quieter more pedestrian friendly area. Following extensive consultation it was noted that strong views had been expressed that investment should be concentrated on improving the northern end of Fossgate and that proposals for the southern end should not be carried out at the present time. Officers had subsequently reviewed their entry treatment proposals for the street and put forward a further option shown at Annex 2 which had now been endorsed by the Fossgate Users Group.

The Cabinet Member referred to the strong views put forward by residents and businesses in the area which had resulted in revisions to the scheme whilst maintaining the character of Fossgate.

Consideration was then given to the following three options:

Option 1

Key proposals included:

i)     Localising physical improvements to the northern end of Fossgate from the junction with Pavement to the junction with Lady Pecketts Yard.

ii)    Raising the surface of the road to footpath level to provide a shared surface between No. 5 (Terrace PH) to No. 14 (Masons Bar & Bistro) with a ramp at either end.

iii)  Reducing the roadway in width and gently sweeping the alignment of the road. This will allow widening of footpaths, whilst keeping the lines of paving simple, and will help to reduce vehicle speeds.

iv)  Amend the status of a short length of the existing overnight parking bays in Fossgate to create 2 parking bays exclusively for use by blue badge holders. These bays would be longer than normal (8m rather than 6m) to allow easier access to the rear of the vehicles by people with wheelchairs. It should also be noted that additional dedicated disabled parking bays have already been provided in near by Piccadilly car park where the Shopmobility scheme operates from.

v)   Relocating the existing parking spaces at the southern end of Fossgate to the other side of the road. This will help to control vehicle speeds.

vi)  Surfacing the roadway in dark grey granite setts (to provide a durable and robust surface for delivery vehicles) and edging with new granite kerbs. The footway will be paved in yorkstone flags. This will maintain a clear visual distinction between the road and footpath. Visually the new granite kerbs will appear ‘flush’ with the road but will be laid with a slight upstand (this will help blind and visually impaired people to navigate the street).

vii)  Locating new bollards to protect cellars and over hangings from properties and direct traffic whilst still allowing deliveries to businesses.

viii)    Keeping the existing wide granite kerbs, which are unique to Fossgate and are a heritage asset. The existing stone setts and paving to the bridge will also be kept.

ix)      Providing new seating in locations subject to consultation with businesses and residents.

Option 2

Key proposals included:

i)     Raising the surface of the road to footpath level to provide a small length of raised ‘table top’ between No. 5 (Terrace PH) and No. 8 (Connolly’s Homestyle) with a ramp at either end.

ii)    Resurfacing the carriageway between the finish of the new table top up to the start of the existing stone setts and paving to the Bridge.

iii)  Removing the existing traffic island at the junction of Fossgate with Merchantgate and building out the footpath between No. 2 (Alms Houses) and No. 6 (Quantum Sales & Lettings) to enable provision of cycle parking and seating as required.

Other key proposals as for Option 1 above. 

Option 3

Key proposals included:

i)     Providing a granite sett ramp at the northern entrance into Fossgate from Pavement and widening the footpath between No. 5 (Terrace PH) and No. 8 (Connollys Homestyle).

ii)    Retaining the existing road levels and resurfacing the carriageway between the new ramp to the start of the existing stone setts and paving to the Bridge.

Other key proposals as for Option 1 above.

Following further discussion it was

Resolved:  i)       That Cabinet approve Option 1 as the preferred design for the Fossgate scheme and a proposed budget of £310k. The work to be funded out of the £3m Capital budget already agreed for the Reinvigorate York programme (£305.5k) and supplemented from the Capital Maintenance budget 2014/15 (£4.5k) for carriageway patching, leaving a balance of £1,604.5k unallocated across the Reinvigorate York programme.^1.

ii)       That Cabinet note that the preferred design and proposed budget for the Exhibition Square/Theatre Interchange and Duncombe Place/Blake Street junction projects will follow later.

Reason:      i)      To ensure delivery of the Fossgate project within the overall Reinvigorate York project programme.

 ii)     To keep Cabinet updated on the Reinvigorate projects.